New Mexico law enforcement increased electronic searches for second year in a row
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – As law enforcement agencies work to keep crime at bay, they are relying on modern investigation methods, including cell phone searches. Last year, New Mexico law enforcement obtained 2.7 billion electronic communication records in the course of their investigations, data shows.
State law requires law enforcement agencies to report their electronic search and data collection efforts. The New Mexico Attorney General then publishes that data in annual reports. The latest report shows that across the state, law enforcement increased their electronic searches for the second year in a row.
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In 2023, law enforcement obtained electronic location information over 4.5 million times. That’s more than double the previous year.
The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) more than doubled the number of times they sought electronic communication content in 2023 compared to 2022. The vast majority of those were under a search warrant, and a few were under emergency requests, the data shows.
APD has a “Digital Intel Team” to parse through electronic evidence. That team was launched in 2021, APD says.
